Samsung launches LTE-only Galaxy A23 to target low-end market

Samsung Electronics Co. on Friday launched the 4G LTE Galaxy A23 smartphone, a cheaper version of its flagship Galaxy A series models, targeting the low-end market.

Samsung, the world’s largest smartphone maker, said the latest mobile phone is targeting price-conscious customers looking for affordable smartphones packed with advanced features.

The Galaxy A23 houses a 6.6-inch LCD screen, which boasts a 90Hz refresh rate. The phone has an 8-megapixel front-facing camera. Its four rear camera setup includes a 50-megapixel primary camera and a pair of 2-megapixel sensors for macro and depth shots.

For durability, the Galaxy A23 is equipped with Gorilla Glass 5 to protect its screen.

The LTE smartphone is priced at 374,000 won ($307) for the Korean market.

Last week, the South Korean electronics giant unveiled two new Galaxy A series budget smartphones to compete with Apple Inc.’s third-generation iPhone SE due to hit the local market on April 1.

LOW-END BUT FEATURE-PACKED

The Galaxy A53 and A33 are both 5G-enabled, powered by a brand new 5-nanometer processor and fitted with artificial intelligence cameras for improved night and portrait mode pictures and videos.

Packed with many of the powerful and fun features from the high-end Galaxy S series, the Galaxy A53 boasts of a 64-megapixel main camera and rear quad-camera system. Samsung plans to launch the Galaxy A53 in the Korean market on April 1.

Samsung is unveiling the budget smartphones as it faces growing competition from Apple and Chinese rivals such as Huawei Technologies Co. in the low-end segment.

Samsung’s latest budget smartphones will also compete with Huawei’s P50 and Motorola’s Edge X30.

Industry watchers said Samsung’s Galaxy A series models, popular in emerging markets such as Latin America, India and other Southeast Asian countries, are the company’s main products to keep its market leadership.

Write to Sung-Soo Bae at baebae@hankyung.com
In-Soo Nam edited this article.